Keep your car running smoothly in frigid weather

Below-freezing temperatures can play havoc with the basic components of a car's engine and can be avoided with just a few moments of preventative maintenance.

Batteries are always the biggest culprit for roadside assistance during a cold snap, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic Motor Club.

On Tuesday, AAA Mid-Atlantic responded to 2,629 battery calls compared to 1,363 battery calls on the same day last year, when the high temperatures were in the upper 30s and lows in the mid-20s.

The motor club reports that emergency roadside assistance calls rose more than 50 percent yesterday compared to year ago numbers. Territory-wide, AAA Mid-Atlantic -- which includes Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Sussex County -- responded to 7,917 requests (up 57 percent) for roadside assistance, compared to 5,033 calls on the same day last year.

"When temperatures plummet, automotive failures skyrocket,"said Tracy Noble, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "Calls for battery jump starts and assistance with frozen locks are the top ranked reasons for calls to AAA. In frigid weather like this, weak car batteries are the first to go, so it's worth having your battery checked -- and if you've postponed vehicle maintenance, now is the time to take care of it."

Scot Boyce, owner of Scotty's Automotive on Route 206 in Montague, said it is important to have the basic elements of a vehicle inspected when the cold weather hits.

"Many of the things that will happen in the cold weather will not give you any sign of failing," Boyce said. "That is why it is important to have them checked out before the cold weather sets in."

For instance, "You really have to make sure the level of antifreeze is right for the cold, and keep an eye on the belts and hoses to make sure they are not getting brittle in the freezing temperatures," Boyce said. "But the biggest thing to keep an eye on is the battery."

Boyce said bad connections and corroded cables can cause a battery problem even in borderline temperatures between 40 and 10 degrees.

"The best way to prevent any surprises in the cold weather is to have your car inspected by your mechanic for these easy fixes before they turn into a problem on the road," Boyce said.

AAA MidAtlantic tips for driving in extreme cold

• Charge! — Cold weather is a battery killer. Make sure the battery terminals and cables are securely attached and free of corrosion. A load test performed by a qualified technician will help determine if a car's battery is strong enough for cold weather starts.

• Key Solution — With moisture from the ice and snow combining with frigid temperatures, lock failure will be very common. Frozen door locks can be overcome by carefully heating the end of a key with a match or lighter. Other methods include dipping the tip of the key in rubbing alcohol, using a can of de-icer spray, or heating the lock with a hair dryer. Never pour hot water on a lock or windshield because this could worsen the problem or cause the windshield to shatter.

• Cool It — Make certain cooling system antifreeze is mixed with an equal portion of water for maximum protection. Flush out your radiator and refill with a 50/50 mix at least once every three years.

• Air It Out — Don't let frigid temperatures tempt you into starting your car in a closed garage or idling your engine for long periods with the windows closed. Carbon monoxide, present in exhaust fumes, is almost impossible to detect and can be fatal when breathed in a confined area.